FLIGHT TEAM COMPOSITION
Each flight team consists of a minimum of 4 team members: Up to four current NES classroom math/science teachers. A NASA mentor will be assigned to the flight team. This team will fly on the reduced gravity aircraft and conduct investigations in microgravity.
One alternate flight-crew member (a current NES classroom teacher from any subject) may be named. This person will fly on the reduced gravity aircraft only in the event that one of the required members is unable to fly. Previously flown NES teachers with the NES Reduced Gravity Flight Opportunity will be eligible for an ALTERNATE flight team position. An NES teacher is a current certified classroom teacher in a current or alumni NES school.
Team ground crews will not be permitted in this year's opportunity.
A journalist may be selected by NASA to cover selected NES teams. NASA photographers and videographers will document the flights and each team will receive final copies of the pictures and videos taken during the flights.
QUALIFICATIONS
- All members of the Flight Team (including alternate flyer) must complete/pass the flight medical requirements, which consist of a modified FAA - Air Force Class III Flight Physical, a classroom physiological training session, and training in a hypobaric altitude chamber with qualified instructors while in Houston. For more information on the medical requirements, see the Medical Information section included in the online application. Flight physical costs are incurred by the participants.
- Flight Team members must be U.S. citizens and over the age of 18.
- Participants must be first-time flyers with this opportunity for primary flight team positions.
- Previously flown NES teachers with the NES Reduced Gravity Flight Opportunity will be eligible for an ALTERNATE flight team position.
- Letter of Commitment from the school Administrator must be received by the stated deadline for a team’s application to be considered. The letter should include:
- be responsible for funding substitute teachers for both teachers flying and the alternate on the reduced gravity aircraft while participants are in Houston,
- be responsible for securing funding for the hardware construction and any necessary shipping costs of the experiment to Houston,
- provide additional planning time for the Team Contact involved in this program if possible,
- provide some release time for the flight project teachers to conduct professional development sessions for local/regional teachers and community programs, and
- coordinate media relations/outreach with NASA Public Affairs Office and the local school system’s Information Office.
- Letter of Commitment from the school Flight Team members must be received by the stated deadline for a team’s application to be considered. The letter should include:
- verification that video conferencing equipment is fully operational
- responsiblity for all medical expenses associated with this program (at your own expense)
- commit that each team member will be in Houston for the entire flight program
- awareness that visitors are not be permitted on-site during this opportunity
- Complete the final report for the opportunity.
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